Marquee Celtics matchups announced

BOSTON — Just as everyone's focus is shifting to the NFL, the Celtics released some marquee matchups for the 2018-19 season. Boston is expected to be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference and that will be challenged on two of the most exciting days of the NBA regular season. 

The Celtics announced on Wednesday that they will open the season against the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. 

These two teams rekindled their long-standing rivalry in the playoffs last season, with Boston eliminating Philadelphia in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

Both teams feature a lot of young talent, but the C's will be boasting a healthy roster this time around. All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are expected to be back on the court for the start of the upcoming season.

The Sixers received some bad news this offseason when they learned their top draft pick, Zhaire Smith, broke his foot and will most likely miss a good portion of the season. However, there are still a ton of bright spots on this Philadelphia roster including all-star, Joel Embiid, and reigning Rookie of the Year, Ben Simmons. 

The Celtics and 76ers will also battle it out on Christmas Day at 5:30 p.m. in Philadelphia. The NBA highlighting the two teams that are excepted to compete for the throne in the East. 

Boston also announced its matchup with the Toronto Raptors, who finished first ahead of the Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers last season in the East, on Oct. 19. The game tips off in Toronto at 8 p.m. and will feature the Raptors talented new acquisition: former Finals MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Kawhi Leonard.

While there's no denying the West boasts some of the most talented stars and teams in NBA history, these matchups will hope to prove that there's impressive competition in the East as well.

Sierra Goodwill is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports department.

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